Gyeongju: The Museum City without Walls

Popular Historical Sites to See in Gyeongju, South Korea

Gyeongju located at the southeast part of South Korea was the capital of Silla kingdom for about 1000 years. After Silla unified the peninsula in 676, the city developed into one of the world's major cultural centers. The city was designated as one of the world's ten most historically significant sites by UNESCO in 1995, and the entire city of Gyeongju itself is called a “museum without walls”, which is filled with numerous historic relics including the eminent temples with weathered stone pagodas, huge royal tombs, palace sites, and more.

The many major historical sites have helped Gyeongju become one of the most popular tourist destinations in South Korea. Tourism of the city remains the major economic driver, but manufacturing activities have developed due to its proximity to major industrial centers such as Ulsan and Pohang. Among such historical treasures like the Seokguram grotto, the Bulguksa Temple and the Gyeongju Historic Areas, we can learn a good lesson from the wise ancestors.

Cheomseongdae:

It's an astronomical observatory that is the oldest surviving observatory in east Asia. It is a 7th century bottle shaped stone structure admired by archeologists worldwide. The square window facing south in the middle of the structure is believed to have served as an entrance reached by a ladder.

Anapji Pond:

It is the place where the Silla Royal family spent their leisure time. It was part of the palace complex of ancient Silla. It was constructed by order of King Munmu in 674 AD. It contains three small islands. The pond was temporarily drained in 1974 to reveal a veritable treasure trove of Silla artifacts that are now on display in the Geongju National Museum.

Gyeongju National Museum:

There is a place of compelling interest that preserves much of the Silla heritage,including magnificent gold crowns, pottery, Buddhist artifacts and stone sculptures. The museum also houses the Divine Bell of King Seongdeok the Great, which is referred to as the legendary Emille Bell, one of Asia's largest and most resonant bells. It's 19 tons of bronze standing 3.4m high.

Bulguksa Temple:

One of Korea's best known temples is a testimony to both the skills of Silla architects and the depth of Buddhist faith. It is home to seven National treasures of South Korea, including the Dabotap and Seokgatap stone pagodas, Cheongun-gyo (Blue Cloud Bridge), and two gilt-bronze statues of Buddha. The temple is classified as Historic and Scenic Site No. 1 by the South Korean government. In 1995, Bulguksa was also added to the UNESCO World Heritage.

Seokguram Grotto:

It's one of the world's finest shrines of Buddha. Surrounded by bodhisattvas and Guardian deities, the serene central statue of Buddha gazes out over the forested hills and across the east sea to the horizon. The carving of the granite dome of Seokguram was a truly amazing architectural feat.

Are you hungry for some history on South Korea or other cities there? Book a hostel in Gyeongju today!!